Train tracks won't impede recreational use of river

Train tracks won't impede recreational use of river
EDITOR:
In a letter on April 25, a writer expressed the opinion that restoration of the Mahoning River is a fantasy that cannot succeed unless the railroads along the river are rerouted. He suggests that the railroads will be a fatal impediment to development and recreation along the river. I believe the exact opposite is true. The railroads are one of the best things that ever happened to the Mahoning River, and they will contribute greatly to the success of the restoration. Because there is no room for development between the railroads and the river, much of the river is lined with a strip of trees 50 feet wide or more. I have canoed the Mahoning River from Newton Falls to New Castle and found it hard to tell that I was on an urban river. And, rather than disrupting the serenity of my trip, I always enjoyed taking a break from paddling to watch a train go by.
Once the contaminated sediments are removed from the river, the wooded strip should be expanded to a width of 200-300 feet. This strip, known as a "riparian
corridor," would dampen the sound of the trains and provide many ecological benefits, including wildlife habitat, removal of pollutants in urban runoff, and protection from flooding, soil erosion, and river bank erosion. Public paths and river access points should be provided so Mahoning Valley residents can enjoy the restored river. Residential and commercial development should be encouraged, outside the riparian corridor.
It now appears likely that the federal government could provide $60-70 million toward cleanup of the Mahoning River, with around $35 million needed from state and local sources. The value of benefits to the local economy and our quality of life will be many times the local investment. If we do not seize this opportunity now, it may be lost forever.
SCOTT MARTIN
Youngstown
X Martin is chair of the Department of Civil/Environmental and Chemical Engineering Youngstown State University.
The Butler Institute remainsthe crown jewel of the Valley
EDITOR:
Last Wednesday I observed a young mother with her three children, she was reading and telling them about the various pieces of art displayed at the Butler Institute of American Art. How happy and lasting their memories will be. The 3-year-old was more interested in the surface texture of the support columns for the balcony in Beecher Court. You see there is something for everyone at the Butler no matter their age!
As I proceeded toward Winslow's Caf & eacute; for a coffee, I noticed a clothesline with fabric capes draped over it. Upon close examination and with expert guidance by Georganna Carfano, director of membership for the Butler, I was made aware of the extraordinary detailing, design, color, creativity and workmanship that must have involved years of work by Eleanor Bostwick, the artist.
Nearby, in the Adler gallery, I couldn't help but notice the colors of the walls and partitions that were serving as a background for the Butler American Western Collection exhibit. This show is outstanding, and Albert Beirstadt's "Oregon Trail" looks truly magnificent!
These exhibits are a must-see for residents of our Valley. If you do not have the opportunity to visit the Butler to see these great shows and the more than two dozen other exhibits, you can rest assured that the ever-changing panorama will be truly just as memorable.
Other exhibits currently are the unbelievable paintings of Ralph Goings and the American pastels, as well as photography -- something for everyone as I said.
I love the Butler for its everlasting contributions to our city and the Valley. This is why I volunteer along with my wife and hundreds of other dedicated men and women who generously give of their time and energy to our sapphire, the crown jewel of Youngstown.
BILL BUCHMAN
Youngstown